Method and system for finding multimodal transit route directions based on user preferred transport modes

ABSTRACT

A method and system for finding multimodal transit route solutions with a computer software program is described that finds the most efficient transit routes based on user preferred modes of transport. The route finding system has four layers that include a presentation layer, an application layer, a component layer and a database layer. The system input includes a start address, a destination address and preferred mode of transport to find the most efficient transit routes. The transport mode includes public transport, private transport and combination of public and private transports. The system displays the detailed mapped route directions for the user input. The system also includes tools for location based address finder and local guidance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method and a system for finding traveldirections, and more particularly to a method and a system having adatabase for finding transit route directions between a starting pointand a destination point based on user preferences indicating a user'spreferred multimodal transport combination.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Attempts have been made in the art to model route finding systems thatsuggest efficient travel routes for intra-city and intercity transport.An input to the route finding system generally includes a start pointand a destination point. These systems generally recommend a transitroute that is a shortest route coverable in shortest time. These systemsare generally uni-modal transit systems, using a single means and mediumof transportation, such as an automobile traveling on public roads andhighways. The uni-modal transit systems in the prior art mainly assume aprivate vehicle as a mode of transport to find an efficient route.

However, the routes suggested by the systems in the prior art are notnecessarily the shortest and most cost effective routes. The travelersmay need to use various modes of transport in combination, for example,private vehicle, walking, bus, railway, taxi and/or differentcombinations of these and other modes of transport.

Moreover, identifying the most efficient route is frequentlyunattainable when the traveler is limited to a single mode of transport.This is especially true when the path of travel includes both rural anddense city travel, or long intercontinental or cross-country travelbook-ended by dense city travel.

Therefore, the inability of electronic travel route finding methods andsystems in the prior art to suggest the most efficient travel route(i.e., using multiple modes of transport in combination) may result inmany users being dissatisfied with the prior art methods and systems.For example, the travelers may find it difficult to manually search eachmode of transport and decide the most efficient route, having tomanually choose between the different combinations of the various modesof transport available, and having to employ several different complexroute finding methods and travel systems, depending on the number ofmodes of transport involved in the travel.

Route selection through the prior art becomes even more complex for aprudent cost-conscious traveler. If such a frugal traveler has onlytentatively decided on a preferred route for a journey, the traveler maythen want to manually compare the financial and time cost usingdifferent transportation modes on the pre-decided route. For example, atraveler who has tentatively decided on a route for a journey from astarting point to a destination using a route finding system, then maywant to compare the travel benefits and costs using, for example, aprivate car and a railway, before finalizing the mode of transport. Theroute advising systems in the art are unable to compare a journey withdifferent modes of transport or a combination of different modes oftransport.

Therefore, there is need for a multimodal route finding method andsystem that advises a traveler (a.k.a., the method and system user) onthe most efficient and desirable route from the subjective perspectiveof the user. I.e., a multimodal route finding method and system that iscapable of considering different combinations of various modes oftransport, processes weighted selection criteria based on userpreferences obtained directly from user input and/or throughelectronically stored user profile information, and that can compare thetravel needs of the user with different modes of transport and with theuser's travel preferences in mind.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method and a system for findingroute directions based on user preference criteria, including preferredmodes of transport. The modes of transport are preferably publictransport, private transport or combination of public and privatetransport. The route finding system of the present invention is based ona network of electronic computing devices, which may include, withoutlimitation, desktop and notebook personal computers, servers,telecommunications equipment, personal digital assistants (PDAs), publicand private kiosks with electronic processors, memory, and interfacescapable of receiving and storing into memory route finding instructionsand user preferences and selections. When these instructions in memoryare executed, the system suggests mapped route directions based on userinput and selected preference criteria, such as financial and time cost,as well as, modes of transport.

The route finding system of the present invention preferably has afour-tier architecture having a presentation layer, an applicationlayer, a component layer and a data source layer.

The presentation layer provides an interface to the users to inputqueries and to display information, selection criteria, and the desiredroute directions. Preferably, the interface can be achieved throughcertain electronic systems, including without limitation, wired,wireless, and/or fiber optic systems featuring computer equipment,information technology equipment and wired and wireless fixed and mobiletelecommunications equipment. Certain mobile telephones, wirelinetelephones, computer desktops, laptops, kiosks, and PDAs are a fewexamples of the many interfaces that are suitable to accessing the routefinding system and initiating the steps of the route finding method.

The application layer has business logic and transmits data from thedata source layer to presentation layer through the component layer. Theapplication layer has tools for mapping locations and finding traveldirections using geographic locations, addresses, , a location basedaddress finder and other tools for mapping locations and finding traveldirections.

The component layer includes a route finding algorithm, a geocoder, amapping program, a routing program and a Global Positioning System(GPS). The route finding algorithm is the core software program writtento effectively provide point-to-point directions based on userselections and/or preferences, cost information (such as route,financial, and time cost), schedules and artificial intelligence.

The data sources include Point of Interests, Street Data, TransportModes, and live feeds of updated travel service data such as updatedschedules and traffic alerts for particular modes of transport. Thedatabase preferably has a plurality of route information that satisfiesthe different criterion of the route finding algorithm, including,without limitation, shortest route, minimum cost, and the most directroute for each mode of transport.

A software program finds route directions as per user preferenceinformation. The user information is obtained at various program“control” points during the execution of the software program. The usercan either input the information each time a route search is desired orstore user preferences as retrievable user profile information.Initially, the user is directed to select a country from a predeterminedlist of locations. In the next step the user is directed to select alocation from a list of locations in the country. The start address andthe destination address are entered simultaneously or subsequently.Address entry includes inputting street details, city and or zip code.The user then selects a mode of transport from a list of modesavailable. The list includes a plurality of modes of public transport,private transport and combinations of public and private transports thatincludes walking, train, bus, subway, air train, ferry, subway and walk,bus and train, train and taxi etc.

In the next step the addresses of the starting location and thedestination are verified. If the addresses are correct then the controlmoves to the next step. Otherwise, the program requests the user tocorrect the address in case of an incorrect address. The control doesn'tmove to the next step until the addresses are verified with theaddresses with the database.

Once the address is verified, in the next step, the program searches thedatabase for the most efficient route per the user preference in thenext step. Then the program suggests the most efficient route, andprovides mapped route directions. The user has an option to eitheraccept the selection, in which case the control moves to the next step,or to loop control back to the aforementioned step of the selecting amode of transport for getting alternative route directions using analternative mode of transport.

A comprehensive database is prepared by collecting the transitinformation from at least three sources, such as street data providers,transit information agencies and points of interest data providers. Thedata from these sources is interpreted and preferably converted to alocal coordinate system.

In addition to private automobile transport mode options, the databaseadvantageously contains information about a plurality of other transportmode options including, without limitation, railway, bus, taxi, and airmodes of transport. This information includes, without limitation,transit schedules, distances, fares, stations, and time information thatsupport the selection of the most efficient transit route. The databaseof the public route direction finding system is preferably updated atfrequent intervals on a regular basis.

A search engine controlled by a software program is based on apredefined searching algorithm that sifts through the database to findthe most relevant matches to a search and ranks the matches in order ofrelevance. The search engine also limits a search area geographically,for a faster search. The searching algorithm of the preferred embodimenthas at least four main criteria that includes, without limitation, userselection, route cost, schedules and artificial intelligence.

Preferably, the algorithm first searches according to the userselections preferences, such as, walking, transit modes, locations,mobility requirements and time. The search engine also considers theroute cost. A route is discarded over another route if the first routeexceeds a predetermined cost.

The searching algorithm also considers schedules of the travel. Theschedules stored in the database are preferably refreshed frequently toreflect updated traffic conditions and scheduling for each mode oftransport. The searching algorithm also utilizes artificial intelligencewhile finding route directions. The algorithm is preferably directed byartificial intelligence.

The route directions and the related maps are preferably displayed bytwo methods. The first method of display is preferably employed wherethe suggested route includes public transports, for example, railway orbus. The second method of display of maps is employed where privatetransport, for example, a private taxi or a personal car, is preferredover public transport.

The route finding system of the present invention has a traffic alertsystem, a location based address finder and a local guidance tool. Thelocation based address finder advantageously maps an address in thecoverage area and displays the mapped location. The address finder alsodisplays nearby points of interest such as bus stops, train stations andsubway stations, if desired. The local guide tool gives details of localinterests or business in a coverage area. The local guide searches localinterests, business, facilities and other points of interest in a cityusing a description of the interest and name of city or zip code of thecity.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary technical architecture of route finding system ofthe present invention,

FIG. 2 is a flow chart that shows steps involved in a method of findingroute directions exemplary of with the present invention,

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b shows a block diagram that shows steps involved in thecreation of a route database exemplary of the present invention,

FIG. 4 shows a search engine process diagram for finding efficientmultimodal transit routes exemplary of the present invention,

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary graphical user interface for entering inputinformation for find route directions in accordance with a route findingsystem of FIG. 1,

FIG. 6 shows exemplary graphical user interface that shows the output ofthe route finding system of FIG. 1, and

FIG. 7 shows an example to demonstrate a first method and a secondmethod of route display in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a block diagram 10 of an exemplaryarchitecture of the route finding system of the present invention isshown. The system preferably has a four-tier architecture, supported bysoftware and hardware systems that can include centralizedcomputer-based and communications-based hardware systems or adistributed network of such systems. The four-tier architecture includesa presentation layer 12, an application layer 14, a components layer 16and a data sources layer 18. The presentation layer 12 provides the userinterface. The application layer 14 imparts problem solving ability tothe system. The component layer 16 includes software programs thatcalculate and analyze data from a plurality of sources. The data sourcelayer 18 stores and manages data for finding efficient multimodalroutes.

The presentation layer 12 provides an interface to the users to inputqueries and user preferences, and also to display the desired routedirections. The presentation layer 12 enables data visualization, datamanipulation and data entry. The end user views information through asuitable interface. Preferably, suitable interfaces can be achievedthrough a wide variety of electronic systems, including withoutlimitation, computer equipment, information technology equipment, andwired and wireless fixed and mobile telecommunications equipment.Cellular or mobile telephones, wireline telephones, computer desktops,laptops, hand-held computers, information kiosks, PDAs are but a fewexamples of such suitable interfaces. The inputs, including userpreferences and selections, are provided to the system through suchsuitable interfaces, the inputs are processed through the route findingalgorithm and the output is displayed to the users through the sameinterfaces.

The application layer 14 has business logic that receives data frompresentation layer 12 and connects and queries the data source layer 18through the components layer 16. The application layer 14 is alsoresponsible for transmitting data from the data source layer 18 to thepresentation layer 12 through the components layer 16.

The applications layer 14 has tools that are developed to addressvarious requirements of the users. Preferably, the tools include a maplocations tool, driving directions tool, location based address findertool, automobile navigation tool and sky routes tool. The user queriesthe data source layer 18 with the tools in the applications layer 14.

The component layer 16 preferably includes discrete building blocks thatconnect to data source layer 18 to retrieve or save data. The components16 include route finding algorithm, geocoder, mapping program, routingprogram and GPS components. The algorithm is the core software programwritten to effectively provide point-to-point directions based on userselections, route cost, schedules and artificial intelligence. Thegeocoder is generally a piece of software that assigns geographiccoordinates in latitude and longitude to a plurality of locations. Withgeographic coordinates assigned, the features are mapped and enteredinto a Geographic Information System. GIS is a useful tool for mapmaking and land surveying.

Data source layer 18 includes various formats of data, stored in atleast one database, but more likely, various geographically distributeddatabases, to feed into the component layers. The data source or sourcesadvantageously include a plethora of Points of Interest, Street Data,Transport Modes, live feeds of up-to-date service schedules and trafficalerts. Preferably, lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP), awell-known Internet Protocol, could be used to look up information anddata stored on servers.

The data source layer 18 preferably has a plurality of efficientmultimodal routes data that satisfy the different criteria of thealgorithm, for example, shortest route and minimum cost data.Preferably, data formats are updated based on a predefined schedule. Thelive feeds provide real time information to keep the system databaseup-to-date. The live feeds include information regarding the status ofroad traffic, accidents, planned and/or unplanned maintenance of roads,weather changes, ground and air mass transit schedules, and otherinformation.

Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 exemplifies the steps involved, preferably,to obtain the efficient multimodal route with a computer softwareprogram that receives user input and preferences. The program startswith step 100. Then the program moves to step 200, in which a user isdirected to select a country from a predetermined list of countries. Instep 300, the user is directed to select a location from a list oflocations within the country. In step 400, a start address is enteredthat includes inputting, for example, street, city and or zip codedetails. In step 500, the destination address is entered that alsoincludes inputting street, city and or zip code details. The startaddress and the destination addresses preferably refer to a station, astop, a point of interest, a street or an intersection point.

In the step 600, the user selects a mode of transport from a list ofmodes available. The list includes a plurality of modes of public andprivate transport, as well as, a plurality of combinations of public andprivate modes of transports. For example, available modes may include:driving, walking, bus, subway, train, bus+subway, bus+train,subway+train and subway+airplane. Different modes are preferablysuggested in the multimodal transit system of the preferred embodiment.If the user ignores the selection of the mode of transport, then thesystem preferably searches for the most efficient transit route, takinginto consideration the available modes of transport.

The most efficient transit route, taking into consideration theavailable modes of transport, is preferably an optimal overall route andmode solution where the distance between the starting address and thedestination is coverable in a shortest time, lowest cost and withminimum modes of transport. The software program of the preferredembodiment preferably recommends at least one mode of transport whensuggesting an efficient transit route. The recommended route is thenchangeable by changing the mode of transport, selectable from a list ofa plurality of modes of transports.

The addresses of the starting location and the destination are verifiedin the step 700. If the addresses are correct then the control moves tothe next step 800. If any one of the start address and destinationaddress cannot be confirmed with the addresses in the database, then theuser is requested to correct the unconfirmed address. The control istransferred back to the step 400, to verify the addresses once again.The step 700 is carried out until verification of both the start anddestination addresses is successful.

In step 800, the program searches for an efficient multimodal route witha search engine as per user input and preference criteria. The systemsuggests an efficient route in the next step 900. At least one or moremaps of the suggested route direction are also displayed on the computermonitor in this step. In the step 1000, the user has an option to changethe mode of transport for getting alternative route directions usingthat particular mode.

If the user wishes to change the mode of transport, then the control istransferred to the step 600. The program again passes through steps 600to 1000. A transit route is recommended with the mapped directions usingthe new mode selected by the user. The user is once again free to getroute directions with another mode of transport. If the user is notinterested to get another route direction by changing the mode oftransport then the control goes to the next step. The program ends instep 1100.

Referring to the FIG. 3 a-3 b, the steps involved in a method forcreation of a compressive transit database 302 are shown. The methodbegins with transit data digitization 304 and a pre-requisite study 306in preparation for a set merge process 308. The transit information ispreferably collected from at least three sources such as a street dataprovider 310, transit information agencies 320 and point of interestdata provider 340. The data from these sources is interpreted andprocessed such that the set merge process 308 results in the creation offinal digital data into a geodatabase format 350, through threesub-processes, which are discussed in the following paragraphs.

Preferably, data from the street data provider 310 is processed in aseries of steps: (1) converting the data to a local coordinate system312; (2) data preparation in coverage area and address mapping 314;quality assurance and quality cheque 316 are performed; and the datageneration of streets 318 is performed.

Preferably, data from the transit information agencies 320 is processedin a series of steps: (1) map route interpretation 322; (2)geo-referencing to a local coordinate system 324; (3) digitization anddatabase population 326; (4) edge matching and data merging 328; and (5)quality assurance and quality cheque 330.

Preferably, data from the licensed points of interest data providers 340is processed in a series of steps: (1) Converting Points of Interest(POI) into required Rich Map Format (RMF) and overlaying the RMF on thestreet data 342; (2) converting to a local coordinate system 344; (3)digitization and database population 346; and (4) quality assurance andquality cheque 348.

Once the set merge process 308 results in the creation of final digitaldata into a geodatabase format 350, the data in the geodatabase format350 is further processed in a series of steps: (1) migration ofgeodatabase to RMF 352; (2) network model creation of different datasetsaccording to the guidance provided in applicable local, national andinternational methods, standards and practices, including, withoutlimitation, public transit website design standards for intelligenttransport service and according to other applicable transit serviceguidance 354 (e.g., as an example of national guidance, the UnitedStates Department of Transportation Intelligent Transport ServiceGuidelines are useful to the development of public transit websitesaccessed by desktop and notebook personal computers in the United States(http://www.its.dot.gov/transit_dev/guidelines/TAWSUG1.htm)); (3)checking for the necessary data integrity and quality assurance results356; (4) creating the master map documents with the additional layers(e.g., layers of additional information, including without limitation,public transit routes, stations, stops, transfer points, points ofinterest may be compressed into one layer forming a master document map)358; and (5) creating the required GIS objects 360.

The data of each of the sources passes through a quality check. Adigital data outfit in a Geo-database format is then created form allthe data sources. The Geo-database is preferably migrated into arendering mechanism and format, such as RMF, for secured storing. Amaster map document is then prepared from the additional layers of data.Then the required GIS server objects are created from the master map.

The transit database advantageously includes information of a pluralityof transport modes such as railway, bus, taxi and other public andprivate modes of transport. This information includes transit schedules,distances, fares, stations, and duration of travel time and otherinformation that supports the selection of efficient transit routesbased on user input preferences and selections. The transit database ispreferably updated at frequent intervals on regular basis.

Referring to FIG. 4, a search engine process 402 is a software programbased on a predefined searching algorithm that sifts through the transitdatabase to find most relevant matches to a search and rank the matchesin order of relevance. The search engine also uses techniques oflimiting a search area for a faster search.

When a user chooses a particular Mode of Transport 406 from one of theUser Selection 404 options, the search engine populates all modes oftransport within a certain radius from the start address to detect afirst point of interest.

If there are no modes of public transport available in the certainradius, the search engine expands the search radius until a mode publicof transport is found. Preferably, the first point of interest is apublic transport mode that is nearest from the start address (e.g., atrain station or a bus stop). In the event, the search engine finds twoor more such stations or stops, the search engine then selects the modeof transport nearest to the start address.

The search engine then finds nearest stations/stops to the destinationaddress to select a second point of interest. The second point ofinterest is a station or a stop of public transport mode that is nearestfrom the destination address. The search engine then finds matchingroutes between first point of interest and second point of interest. Tofind the matching routes, the search engine has at least four criterionsthat include, without limitation, user selection, route cost, schedulesand artificial intelligence.

The user selection is a first criterion of the searching algorithm. Thealgorithm first searches according to the user preferences, such as,available modes of transport 406 including, without limitation, train408, bus 410, tram 412, subway 414, air train 416, ferry 418, taxi 420,driving 422 and walking 424 modes of transport. The user can furtherspecify user preferences with respect to walking distance 426, walkingspeed 428 and speed preferences, such as, average 430, fast 432 and slow434 walking speeds. User selection options also include, withoutlimitation, the option to specify multiple locations 438, mobilityrequirements 440 and time constraint 442.

The search engine further considers the route cost 444. A route isdiscarded over another route if the first route exceeds a predeterminedcost. The algorithm determines the cost preferably by considering theproximity 446 of the travel, cost schedules 448, time of the day 450,travel distance 452, travel time 454 and travel expense 456.

The searching algorithm also considers the available schedules 458 ofthe travel. The schedules 458 are preferably driven dynamically by thecurrent traffic conditions. Scheduling criteria such as weekday 460,weekend 462, peak 464, off-peak 466, late night 468, serviceinterruptions 470, service frequency 472 and holidays 474 are preferablytaken into account by the algorithm.

The searching algorithm also utilizes artificial intelligence 476 whilefinding route directions. The algorithm is directed by artificialintelligence that works with heuristic approaches. The artificialintelligence takes local practices 478, efficient routes 480, frequentride benefit 482, rider comfort 484, and personal safety 486 intoaccount for deciding travel directions. The artificial intelligence 476accelerates decision-making and minimizes the need for repeated searchcomputations.

Referring to FIG. 5, a form 20 for entering the input of the routefinding system of the present invention includes a first field 22, asecond field 24 and a third field 26. Each of the first field 22 and thesecond field 24 includes at least two data entry fields for receivinglocation address data. Details of address data, such as building number,street name, landmark name and other address data, are preferablyentered in a first data entry field. The name of the city or zip code ofthe city is preferably entered in a second data entry field. The thirdentry field includes a dropdown list 28 of preferred modes of transportfrom which a desired mode is selectable. Preferably, a user has theoption of saving user travel preferences into the database layer forfuture access and streamlining of the routes finding method.

Referring to FIG. 6, a layout of a form 30 that displays detailed routedirections and route maps is shown. The form 30 had a plurality offrames. A first frame 32 on the top end portion of form 30 includes thestart address and destination address as entered by the user and thenverified by the software program of the route finding system. The firstframe 32 also includes a pair of user selectable mapping buttons, forexample, virtual push buttons. A first button 34 is placed besides thestart address and a second button 36 is positioned besides thedestination address. The bottom end portion of the first frame 32includes a drop down list 38 having a plurality of modes of transportand a get directions push button 37. The first frame 32 also features asave into my roots push button 39.

A second frame 40 preferably includes a suggested optimal route, havinga plurality of segments displayed in sequential steps. The second frame40 includes the detailed information of each of the route segments, suchas mode of transport, travel time, fare, transfer and other traveldetails. The optimal route directions suggested in the second frame 40are displayed with maps 42 at the bottom end portion of a third frame44.

The route directions and the related maps 42 are preferably displayed bytwo display methods. The first method of display of maps is preferablyemployed where the suggested route includes information about availablepublic modes of transport, for example, air, railway or bus modes. Thesecond method of display of maps is employed where private transport,for example, a private taxi or a personal car is preferred over publictransport.

Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is representative of an optimal route mapfor an entire route, from a starting point to destination. In FIG. 7,the number ‘1’ indicates a starting point, ‘8’ indicates a destinationpoint, ‘2’ indicates a first point of interest that is a nearest busstop or a railway station from ‘1’. The number ‘7’ indicates a secondpoint of interest that is a nearest bus stop or a railway station fromthe destination ‘8’, and points 3 through 8 indicate intermediate pointsbetween the first and second points of interest 2 and 7.

In the first display method, the route ‘1-8’ is divided into at leastthree segments and third frame 44 displays the maps 46 and 48 that hasroute segments 1-2 and 7-8. A first map 46 preferably shows details ofthe route segment ‘1-2’ and the second map 48 shows the details of routesegment ‘7-8’.

In the second method, the route ‘1-8’ has at least one segment. Thesuggested route is preferably covered with either single modes oftransit such as subway, car, taxi or with a combination of modes oftransport in accordance with the route suggested. In the second method,the third frame 44 includes a single map 50 that shows a complete routeform the origin 1 to the destination 8.

The route finding system of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, preferably, also includes a traffic alert system, a locationbased address finder, a local guidance tool and a tool for findingonline travel booking for public and private transportation services.The traffic alert system displays the latest traffic updates for theroads in the city of the location of interest in a predefined sequence.The traffic alerts are created, preferably, with the input from the GPS.The location based address finder maps an address in the coverage areawith the help of an address finder. The address finder also displaysnearby points of interest such as bus stops, train stations, subwaystations, and other points of interest, if desired.

The local guide tool is controlled by a software program that givesdetails of local interests or business in a coverage area. The localguide searches local interests, business, facilities and other localinterests based in a municipality. The input to the local guide includesa description of the interest and name of the municipality or zip codeof the municipality. The output is the detailed listing of the relevantinterests, including the name, address, map and website of the each ofthe interest. For example, if the input is Universities in New York Citythen the local guide displays the listing of Universities in the NewYork City. The output also includes other details such as the mappedlocation of the points of interest.

In operation, the user selects a desired location and enters the routefinding system. Then the user simply enters a start address and adestination address and chooses the mode of transport to get the routes.The mode of transport is selectable from a list that includes aplurality of transport modes such as driving, bus, subway, train, busand subway, bus and train, subway and train, walking not more than 2miles and the most efficient transit route. If the user ignores the modeof transport, the algorithm picks the most efficient mode of travel bydefault.

The user preferably inputs the start address, destination address andmode of transport through a Geographical Information System (GIS)interface via a suitable user interface, including without limitation,computer equipment, information technology equipment, and wired andwireless fixed and mobile telecommunications equipment. Cellular ormobile telephones, wireline telephones, computer desktops, laptops,hand-held computers, information kiosks, PDAs are but a few examples ofsuch suitable interfaces. The results may be given back to the userthrough the same interface on which the input is entered. The systemverifies the addresses entered by the user. In order to minimizeerroneous user input, the system preferably recommends a plurality ofaddresses from the database to the user, if the addresses entered by theuser are not identical to, but are close to the address in the database.

After user confirmation of the addresses the routes finding systemrecommends a transit route that uses modes of transit as per the user'schoice and preferences. The map(s) of the route direction are alsodisplayed at the bottom of the recommended routes. Optionally, the usercan separately map the start address and destination address for betterunderstanding of the routes.

Once the multimodal transit route is recommended based on userpreferences, the recommended route is preferably divided into aplurality of route segments. Different modes of transit may berecommended for each route segment. For example, the system and methodmay recommend a taxi and provide a facility online to book a taxi forany walking distance that is more than, in the preferred embodiment, twomiles segment of the transit route. The user can find a plurality ofroute direction for the same start address and the destination addressby selecting different transit modes.

The user may be registered as a user of the system and may save theirroute directions and preferences for future travel decision-making usingthe system and method. A user may register as a user of the system byproviding certain personal information such as name and address, andother personal information. The system is capable of providing a user idand password to the user after registration. The registered user cansave his addresses, routes, maps, itinerary, and other user preferenceinformation, into the user's profile with the system. The user can thenlater recall preference and profile information, compare differentroutes, and obtain a better understanding of the most efficient routeattainable using the route finding system.

The route finding system is also useable as an itinerary planner. Thesystem can be used as an automobile navigating system to position a useron a road of interest. The sky routes tool suggest a plurality ofoptions for air travel between two locations based on user-definedconstraints and preferences.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific embodiments, it will be apparent to once skilled in the artthat various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it isintended that the present invention cover the modifications andvariations of this invention within the scope of the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

1) A real time method for finding multimodal route directions throughuser preferred modes of transport with a computer software program,comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a start address and a destinationaddress; (b) receiving user preference criteria of at least one or moremodes of transport from a list of modes of transport; (c) verifying thestart address and the destination address; (d) searching the transitroute directions; (e) Comparing route directions for different transportmodes; and (f) displaying the transit route directions; 2) The method ofclaim 1, wherein the list of transport modes includes mode of transport,public transport modes, private transport modes and combinations ofpublic and private transport modes. 3) The method of claim 2, whereinthe mode of transport finds route directions with which distance betweenthe starting address and the destination address is coverable inshortest time, lowest cost and with use of minimum modes of transport.4) Method of claim 1, wherein the step of searching the transit routedirections include steps of: (a) searching a first point of interest;(b) searching a second point of interest; (c) searching matching routesbetween the first point of interest and the second point of interest. 5)The method of claim 4, wherein the first point of interest is a nearestpublic transport mode to the start address. 6) The method of claim 4,wherein the second point of interest is the nearest public transportmode to the destination address. 7) The method of claim 4, wherein thetransit route directions includes at least three route segments, a firstroute segment having a route from the start address to the first pointof interest, a second segment having a route from the first point ofinterest to the second point of interest, and the third segment having aroute from the second point of interest to the destination address. 8)The method of claim 7, wherein the second route segment includes aplurality of root segments connected through intermediate points. 9) Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first method of displaying the transitroute directions includes displaying at least two maps, a first mapincludes travel direction from the start address to a nearest locationof public transport mode, and a second map includes travel directionfrom the destination address to a nearest location of a public transportmode for better user understanding of the route directions. 10) Themethod of claim 1, wherein the second method of displaying the transitroute directions includes displaying at least one map with traveldirections from the start address to the destination address for thetravel with a private vehicle. 11) The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of creating a database. 12) The method of claim 11,wherein searching and creating the database is an iterative process. 13)A computer program product fixed in a tangible medium embodying a methodfor finding multimodal route directions through user preferred modes oftransport, said method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a startaddress and a destination address; (b) receiving user preferencecriteria of at least one or more modes of transport from a list of modesof transport; (c) verifying the start address and the destinationaddress; (d) searching the transit route directions; (e) comparing routedirections for different transport modes; and (f) displaying the transitroute directions. 14) The computer program product of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of creating a database. 15) The computer programproduct of claim 11, wherein searching and creating the database is aniterative process. 16) In a network of computing devices, a system forfinding multimodal route directions through user preferred modes oftransport, comprising: (a) a computing device, comprising a processor, amemory connected to the processor and an interface connected to theprocessor; (b) the memory includes a set of instructions that, whenexecuted, cause the processor to perform at least one or more of thefollowing steps regardless of order: (i) receiving a start address and adestination address; (ii) receiving user preference criteria of at leastone or more modes of transport from a list of modes of transport; (iii)verifying the start address and the destination address; (iv) searchingfor transit route directions based on the user preference criteria; (v)comparing route directions for two or more transport modes; and (vi)displaying the transit route directions based on the user preferencecriteria; 17) The system of claim 16, further comprising an instructionin the memory of least one or more computing devices that, whenexecuted, cause the processor to perform the step of creating adatabase. 18) The system of claim 17, wherein searching and creating thedatabase is an iterative process. 19) In a network of computing devices,a system for finding multimodal route directions through user preferredmodes of transport, comprising: (a) a computing device, comprising aprocessor, a memory connected to the processor and an interfaceconnected to the processor; (b) the memory includes a set ofinstructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform atleast one or more of the following steps regardless of order: (i) meansfor receiving a start address and a destination address; (ii) means forreceiving user preference criteria of at least one or more modes oftransport from a list of modes of transport; (iii) means for verifyingthe start address and the destination address; (iv) means for creating adatabase; (v) means for searching for transit route directions based onthe user preference criteria; (vi) means for comparing route directionsfor two or more transport modes; and (vii) means for displaying thetransit route directions based on the user preference criteria; 20) Thesystem of claim 19, wherein the means for searching and creating thedatabase is an iterative process.